Close-up macro photograph of a faceted orange-amber colored gemstone sparkling against a backdrop of smaller mixed gemstones in white, red, and turquoise hues.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Gemstones: What’s the Difference?

One of the most common questions when choosing a gemstone is: What’s the difference between lab-grown and natural gemstones? While both share the same chemical composition, optical properties, and stunning beauty, there are key distinctions in their formation, pricing, and long-term value.

If you're considering a lab-grown gem, understanding how it compares to its natural counterpart will help you make an informed decision.

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Chemical & Optical Properties

Lab-grown gemstones are not fake—they are chemically and physically identical to natural gemstones. Both have the same hardness, brilliance, and colour properties. The key difference lies in how they form:

  • Natural gemstones take millions of years to form underground under heat and pressure.
  • Lab-grown gemstones are created in controlled conditions that replicate this natural process within a fraction of the time.

The result? Visually, they are identical to the naked eye.

Clarity & Color Consistency

  • Lab-grown gemstones tend to have fewer inclusions and more consistent colour due to controlled growth conditions.
  • Natural gemstones develop with unique imperfections and slight colour variations, making each stone one of a kind.

If you want a flawless gemstone with vivid colour, a lab-grown gemstone is often the better choice. However, if you appreciate the individuality of nature-made imperfections, a natural gemstone may be more appealing.

Durability & Hardness

  • Lab-grown and natural gemstones have the same Mohs hardness rating for their type (e.g., sapphire = 9, diamond = 10).
  • Because lab-grown gemstones typically have fewer inclusions, they may be slightly more durable than natural stones.
  • Natural gemstones sometimes have internal fractures from geological formations, which may affect durability over time.

Resale Value & Pricing

  • Lab-grown gemstones are generally more affordable, offering 30-50% lower prices than their natural counterparts.
  • Natural gemstones retain their resale value better, particularly diamonds and rare coloured stones.
  • If you're looking for affordable beauty, lab-grown gems are an excellent choice, but for long-term investment, natural gems hold more value.

Ethical & Environmental Differences

  • Lab-grown gemstones are created without mining, making them a more sustainable choice.
  • Natural gemstones require extensive mining, which can impact ecosystems and involve ethical concerns in some regions.
  • If sustainability is a priority, lab-grown gemstones offer a conflict-free alternative.

Certification & Identification

  • Can a jeweller tell the difference? Not without specialized equipment.
  • Lab-grown gemstones can be identified using spectroscopy, fluorescence, and microscopic analysis, but they are visually identical.
  • Gemological reports from institutions like GIA, IGI, and GCAL provide certification for both lab-grown and natural stones.
  • Lab-grown diamonds over 0.50ct typically come with certification and an inscribed report number on the girdle, verifying their origin and quality.

FAQs

Do lab-grown diamonds over 0.50ct have an inscription?

Yes. Most lab-grown diamonds over 0.50ct are laser-inscribed with a unique report number on the girdle, matching their certification from gemological institutions such as GIA or IGI.

Are lab-grown gemstones real?

Yes. They are chemically, optically, and physically the same as natural gemstones.

Do lab-grown gemstones last as long?

Yes. They have the same durability and hardness as natural gemstones.

Do lab-grown gemstones have flaws?

They have fewer inclusions than natural gemstones, making them appear more flawless.

Can you tell the difference between lab-grown and natural gemstones?

To the naked eye, no. Only trained gemologists with specialized tools can identify them.

Do lab-grown gemstones lose their value?

They typically have lower resale value compared to natural gemstones.

Are lab-grown gemstones better than natural gemstones?

It depends on what you value. Lab-grown gems offer affordability, sustainability, and high clarity, while natural gems offer uniqueness, rarity, and higher resale value.

Conclusion

Lab-grown and natural gemstones are excellent choices, depending on your priorities. Lab-grown is ideal if you want a flawless, affordable, and ethical gemstone. If rarity, resale value, and natural uniqueness matter most to you, a natural gemstone is the better option.

For a deeper dive into how lab-grown gemstones are made, check out our guide: How Are Lab-Grown Gemstones Made?

Curious about the science behind lab-created gems? What Are Lab-Grown Gemstones?

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